Unsolved murder of teens Fiona Burns and John Lee

It has been 21 years since teenagers Fiona Burns, 15 and John Lee, 14 were found dead at a truck parking bay, near the South Australian border.

Victoria Police homicide detectives have launched a fresh appeal for information to solve the case.

The teens’ bodies were discovered on October 18, 1990 at the truck parking bay between Kaniva and Bordertown. Both had been stabbed to death.

Fiona, then 15, and John, then 14, were last seen hitch hiking between Adelaide and Melbourne along the Western Highway between 9 and 11 October, 1990.

The communities up near the SA border are small and Homicide Squad Detective Inspector John Potter said police were appealing for information from those in the community who know what happened.

“There is someone out there who knows exactly what happened to Fiona and John and it is to those people and their closest confidants that we are appealing to,” Detective Insp Potter said.

Insp Potter said a $100,000 reward remained on offer.

“When a child is killed, society loses some of its innocence, when two children are callously murdered and the killer or killers are not brought to justice, the whole community carries the burden,” Insp Potter said.

“The families of Fiona and John need and indeed deserve closure, for 21 years they have suffered not knowing what happened to their loved ones and have waited to see someone brought to justice.

“We are appealing for information Australia wide, the fact that their bodies were found at a truck stop on an interstate highway gives rise to the possibility that the person or persons responsible may well have resided in any state or territory in Australia.

One comment

Just reading through then found you! Will never forget you John Lee.. We were all so young and thought invincible. I think of you often Johnny and pray for the day we can all be given answers. Especially for your family.Rest in peace untuntil then little man. Lot’s of love Mel ( Pettit) xxx